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Baked Mexican Chicken is the perfect recipe to turn plain chicken into something absolutely fabulous. Lots of cheesy goodness and delicious salsa make each bite so flavorful and tasty.
Our family loves Baked Mexican Chicken for a quick weeknight dinner that is easy to prepare and so amazing. It is such an easy and fast dinner idea. You can easily make this even on busy weeknights.
The chicken is coated in delicious crushed up tortilla chips and baked to perfection. This is one of our favorite baked recipes. We have eaten this several times. In fact, we ate it again last night and the kids couldn’t stop talking about it.
If you love Mexican Recipes as much as we do, check out these 100 of the Best Mexican Recipes. You may also love this No Peek Chicken and Rice.
What's in this post: Baked Mexican Chicken
Why This Recipe Works
I just love this recipe, because you are using stuff you would probably throw away anyway. Next time you have crumbs left in the tortilla chip bag, make this Baked Mexican Chicken.
We have even used chicken thighs and it was so tasty. Use what you have to make this Mexican chicken. It is easy and delicious. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts – You can also use boneless chicken thighs
- Salsa – Try our Homemade Salsa Recipe for a delicious variation
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Tortilla Chips – We used tortilla chips but you can also use other types of chips or crackers.
- Cheese – Feel free to use other types of cheese. We like Colby Monterrey Jack Cheese and even Pepper Jack Cheese is delicious.
- Seasoning – You can also add seasoning to this chicken such as Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe. Which is a combination of garlic powder, chili powder and cumin.
How to Make Baked Mexican Chicken
- Step 1 – Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- Step 2 – Pour the salsa and crushed tortilla chips in separate shallow bowls.
Step 3 – Dip each chicken breast into the salsa so each side is coated in salsa.
Step 4 – After the salsa, dip the chicken into the crushed tortilla chips. Flip each side to make sure the entire piece is coated in the tortilla chips.
Step 5 – Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or coated with non stick cooking spray.
Step 6 – Baked until the chicken is cooked thoroughly. Top each piece of chicken with cheese. Place back in the oven until the cheese is melted. This only will take a few minutes. Top with the diced tomatoes, lime juice and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Chicken – To prepare this chicken, we like to pound the chicken so that all the chicken is about the same size. This helps to cook the chicken evenly and about the same time.
- Meat Thermometer – Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees when chicken if fully cooked.
- Coating Chicken – Fully coat the chicken with the salsa mixture and the crushed tortilla chips for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Mexican Chicken is delicious served with a side of Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe, Crockpot Spanish Rice or Instant pot White Rice Recipe.
Another great idea is Crock Pot Refried Beans. They are so easy in the slow cooker and really tasty. Cook Black Beans in the Crockpot is another quick, easy and delicious side dish.
We have even made a side of Oven Roasted Asparagus or Baked Butternut Squash.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is perfect in a 9×13 baking dish. We have even taken this to potlucks or someone recovering from surgery. It is so easy and a great meal. The ones with the lid are really handy if you are taking this dish somewhere. I use the disposable pans if I take this somewhere and it makes clean up a breeze.
Store leftover Baked Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This baked chicken is delicious leftover and it is best to enjoy within 3-4 days.
Yes, you can freeze this baked chicken recipe. Place the baked chicken in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or if you have a lot leftover, place back in a baking dish. Then reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.
More Easy Mexican Dishes
Easy Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Easy Casserole
The Best Mexican Casserole Recipe
Easy Mexican
Taco Rice Casserole
Easy Slow Cooker
Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe
If you make this Easy Baked Mexican Chicken Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love to hear from you.
Baked Mexican Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts Sliced lengthwise
- 2 cups salsa
- 13 oz Bag of Tortilla Chips crushed into small pieces
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded
- 1/2 cup Tomatoes Diced (Optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pour the salsa and crushed tortilla chips in separate shallow bowls.
- Dip each chicken breast in the salsa, flipping so that both sides are covered.
- After the salsa, dip the chicken breast in the tortilla chips, flipping it so that both sides are covered in the chips.
- Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with foil or sprayed with a non stick cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Then top each chicken breast with a small amount of the shredded cheese and place back in the oven for 2-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Top with the diced tomatoes if desired and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
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We love this recipe! But the chicken is always soggy on the bottom. How do you avoid that?
Made this last night and it passed my picky 12 year old’s approval. Will make again!
Does this dish freeze well? I was thinking freezing the already breaded chicken breast on a sheet pan, and then putting into bags. Thanks
Where does it get all of those carbs??
looks so yummy!
Looks totally delicious – thanks for the recipe!
Thanks! Heather, I think you will love it.